Now that we've hit mid-November, it really is starting to feel like Christmas.
The Christmas-themed lights are illuminating the skies above Briggate; Chow Down has opened its Winter Village and we're watching festive tipis pop up around the city centre as if they're Christmas trees.
Naturally, the best way to come together for juletide spirits is to stuff our faces with pigs in blankets, sage and onion stuffing, turkey specials- and really, anything with cranberry sauce on it.
But rather than heading over to the same old place for the same old festive specials, Leeds Food Tours is bringing together the best of the city's independents and championing the local food and drink offering with a special Christmas food tour.
Taking place across Sunday 4 December 2022, those taking part in this year's Christmas food tour will be treated to six different venues, and there's even mulled wine to keep you toasty at your first stop.
For those that have previously been on one of Leeds Food Tours before, founder Ellen Miller has ensured that each of the Christmas stops will be at completely different- so it's a great chance to check out some new spots without repeating yourself.
In total the tour lasts four hours and involves stopping at six different locations across Leeds city centre, spanning a total walking length of 1.4 miles.
One of the most exciting components of the Leeds Food Tours is that its inclusive to different dietary needs. There's vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available, so there's no worry of having to go hungry at all on this tour.
If you can't make it to the Christmas special, Ellen runs regular foodie tours across the city, and can be either guided or self-guided depending on your preference- and either will make the ideal Christmas gift for anyone with a taste for exciting foodie options, and wants to support a local business this Christmas.
A feast for all the senses, Leeds Food Tours is a flexible guide around the city all based around food. The tours can take place any day of the week.
Those taking part in a self-guided tour simply need to follow the map and hand in special Leeds Food Tour tokens at each stop and welcome a range of dishes in return.
There's a choice of bao buns, tacos, falafels and gyozas on offer- and that's just the beginning.
Tickets to each food tour cost £65 per person, and include six stops across the city.
To find out more about Leeds Food Tours, including how to get involved in the Christmas special or bag one as a present, visit the Leeds Food Tours website.
Feature Image- Leeds Food Tours
News
Leeds zoo named one of the best in the country as it receives national mark of excellence by experts
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.
Sophie Smith -
21st November 2022 
